Effects of seasonality in emergency admissions for mental disorders: two years of clinical experience

Abstract

Objectives This retrospective study, conducted in Turin, Italy, between January 2021 and February 2023, investigates the impact of seasonal heatwaves on emergency department (ED) admissions for mental disorders. Methods Through the analysis of data from 2,854 patients, this research found a significant link between the occurrence of heatwaves, especially from June to August, and an elevated rate of ED admissions for psychiatric conditions. Results The data indicate a clear seasonal pattern, with admissions peaking during the hot months and diminishing in the colder months. Particularly, the study delineates an enhanced correlation between heatwaves and admissions for severe psychiatric disorders, such as bipolar disorder, major depression, personality disorders, and schizophrenia, accounting for 1,868 of the cases examined. This correlation was most pronounced among individuals aged 50–59 years. Conclusions The results of this study highlight a critical association between the incidence of seasonal heatwaves and an uptick in ED visits for psychiatric disorders, with a distinct impact on severe cases. It underscores the urgency for healthcare systems to anticipate seasonal fluctuations in psychiatric ED admissions and to allocate resources effectively to support patients during peak periods.